Pastor Arrested in Uttar Pradesh Amid Forced Conversion Allegations

A Malayali pastor has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh following allegations that he was involved in forced religious conversions through monetary and employment inducements, according to a reports published

The pastor, identified as Jose Thomas, originally from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, was detained by police in Sikandarpur after complaints surfaced alleging that he had offered people money and work in exchange for changing their religion.

According to the case registered under the state’s anti-conversion laws, locals accused the pastor of coercive tactics and of making derogatory remarks against Hindu deities. The complaint was reportedly lodged by a district coordinator of a local Bajrang Dal unit, which led to swift police action. Law enforcement also seized religious literature from Thomas’ residence during the investigation.

This incident comes at a time when secularism and freedom of faith continue to be topics of intense public debate across India. Legal scholars note that forced conversions are illegal under various state laws, and Uttar Pradesh in particular has strict provisions that criminalize coercive religious conversion. Authorities state that the aim of such laws is to protect citizens from undue influence or exploitation. However, critics argue that enforcement must balance civil rights with religious freedom.